Product to bring some shine back to old tile?

[Blakespools]

Hey guys,

I recently started taking care of a large fountain surrounded by iredescent tiles, they have the look of abalone shell. Last year the owner had the tile soda blasted and it appears that it has really taken the shine off the tile, its extremely dull, almost foggy white looking. I have cleaned it with Muriatic and water, and removed the calcium buildup with a stone but I am hoping there is a product that might help bring some of the shine back, any recommendations?

Thanks,

Blake

 

[duraleigh]

Yikes! Sandblasting an irridescent surface would be a no-no, I'm afraid. Not sure it can be restored and certainly have no idea with what.

 

[Patrick_B]

I hate to sound negative, but It doesn't sound likely. If that irridescent sheen was on the surface, it's likely compromised beyond repair.

What did it look like directly after soda blasting?

 

[pooldv]

Unless the iridescence is on the back. You might be able to get a glass company to polish and buff the glass back to a glossy surface.

 

[Blakespools]

Thanks for the replies,

I cant say for sure what it looked like right after as it was done a year ago and it is a new account to me. It looks chalky currently. I assumed the blasting took off some sort of material or made the tile super porous. I was wondering if there was some sort of sealer that might help, anything that would help a little? Maybe i could try to wetsand a small area?

Thanks,

Blake

 

[Patrick_B]

Soda blasting is usually to remove scaling etc. while preserving a nice finish. You can try it, but I would try to find a hidden or inconspicuous area as possible.